"I never saw a more plucky piece of work in my life."
Tad came up to where they were, laughing heartily.
"Doesn't that beat all, Walt?"
"It certainly does."
"Our friends who were defeated do not seem to appreciate the humor of
it, though," interjected the young engineer.
"No, not very sportsmanlike, is it? Who is that fellow with whom
Chunky's competitors are talking?"
"Name is Cravath. Queer sort of a chap."
"Haven't I seen him about the Red Star?" asked Tad.
"Yes, no doubt. He is a checker at the mine. He and his wife and
daughter have a cabin out near the Ruby Rock that you are so much
interested in. I know very little about him--"
"Don't like his looks at all," decided Tad.
"No, I never warmed up to him very much myself. I understand he is
not very popular among the men, either. But I guess that is because
he wins their money in games of chance."
"A gambler?" questioned both boys in surprise.
"I wouldn't go far enough to say that. What are they going to do next
here do you know?" asked the engineer, changing the subject.
"I believe it is to be a roping contest. That will be a lot of fun."
"You are not going in it, are you?"
"Of course. Why not? I don't know what they are going to rope, but
I'll take my chance with the rest of them whatever it is. Guess I'll
ride over and ask Mr.
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